Single Mom Stress Reducers 

Single moms act as mother, father, friend, and disciplinarian.  They are a force of one that never seems to get a break for long.  Stressful situations can seem even more so when there’s no one to share the burden.  Try some of these tips to find relief when you need it most. 

Phone a friend.  No, this is not Who Wants to be a Millionaire?  Family members and friends can make great sounding boards when things get tough.  Keep the number of someone you trust on speed dial in your cell phone and on the house phone.  When you feel like you can’t hold it in anymore, vent to someone who understands. 

Pop in a funny video or DVD.  After the kids have gone to bed, curl up on the couch with a bag of popcorn and a good video.  Laughter combats stress and reduces the hormone cortisol.  This hormone has been in the news because it’s supposed to make us fat.  Well, you know moms don’t need that on top of everything else.  Let a good laugh keep the yucky feelings away. 

Take a bath.  I mean that literally.  Hopping in the shower while brushing your teeth and barking orders to the kids doesn’t count.  An honest to goodness tub bath with the sea salts and bubbles is in order.  Lavender has the effect of calmness on the senses.  Add a bit to your bath water and soak until you prune or the stress is gone, whichever comes first. 

My sister is a single mom.  Every now and then she will go get a spa treatment and a full hair treatment (cut and color).  I’ll watch my nephew and give her time to herself.  When a woman looks beautiful she feels beautiful.  Instead of being the one doing the serving, let someone else wait on you for a change.   

Save as much money out of each paycheck as you can towards a big spa day.  When you have enough to splurge, find a family member or friend to babysit the kids and get going.  Nothing reduces stress like watching someone else doing the work. 

Dance your blues away.  You don’t have to be a professional to shake what your momma gave you.  Turn on the music while you are picking up the socks for the umpteenth time or washing the dishes.  Who said housework had to be a bore? 

Pump up the volume as loud as the neighbors will allow and boogie on down.  No one will see you dip that broom.  Singing and dancing engage the diaphragm, the abdominal muscles, and every other muscle you haven’t shaken in a while.  Good feeling endorphins that are released put our lives into a different perspective. 

Single moms deserve downtime too.  Try these suggestions or some of your own.  Mix them up or pick one that will work for you.